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I retook from a 160->167 and this cycle is proving relatively predictable so far. I have a GPA of about 3.25 coming from a technical CS-like major. I am in at BC/BU/ND as of right now. I am mauling over retaking in June because I am confident I could nab a 170+ score but I am wondering if it is worth it. What score would I need to warrant sitting out this year and reapplying next cycle? My goals are biglaw and with BC/BU/ND, prospects for biglaw are slim. T14 would substantially increase my chances but since I would be a splitter with 2 lsat retakes, scholly potential seems like a crap-shoot if I were to even be admitted to any T14s. HYS is out it seems, even if I were to achieve some insane 178+, my GPA would probably take away any possibility at those; but are the rest of the T14 likely if I were to get 170+?

Thanks,
TLS-noobie

With a 171/3.25 & a year of post college work experience, Northwestern and, therefore, biglaw are likely.

Yes the T14 is most definitely possible with a 170+. Your lower scores won't hurt you since they care about your highest. You're also right that a 170+ won't bring you much scholarship money (as a splitter you've already screwed the pooch on that count). But if you want biglaw you should be looking to the T14 anyways rather than a lower ranked school with scholly.

Simply put, this is an easy decision for you to retake.

171/3.25 got me C and G last cycle. ED'd to Penn and was waitlisted, they took a lot of reverse splitters last cycle

CanadianWolf wrote:With a 171/3.25 & a year of post college work experience, Northwestern and, therefore, biglaw are likely.

Is a year of WE really enough for Northwestern?
Does having applied to Northwestern already (as an extreme reach this cycle, but was held) hurt my chances of being accepted next year?

Yes.

It probably helps your chances.

TLS_noobie wrote:Is a year of WE really enough for Northwestern?
Does having applied to Northwestern already (as an extreme reach this cycle, but was held) hurt my chances of being accepted next year?

1 year is on the edge (around 20% of the class is 1 year or less) but I think you should be good if you have a good enough LSAT.

Having previously applied and been rejected at any school doesn't hurt you if you're applying with a better LSAT.

Not even debatable, absolutely retake.

Great! Thanks a lot for all of the responses! One more question: can I place a seat deposit down on BU/BC/ND (whichever one gives me the most $$$) before I retake in June, just as a backup and then drop-out/withdraw once I knock this LSAT outta the park? I understand I would be out 500 bucks but it is a small price to pay to keep my peace of mind.

TLS_noobie wrote:Great! Thanks a lot for all of the responses! One more question: can I place a seat deposit down on BU/BC/ND (whichever one gives me the most $$$) before I retake in June, just as a backup and then drop-out/withdraw once I knock this LSAT outta the park? I understand I would be out 500 bucks but it is a small price to pay to keep my peace of mind.

Yes you can.

Just want to provide some ecouragement: I retook a 167 (3rd attempt) and scored a 170 (4th attempt) in February. 2 hours after notifying UVA I was in off the waitlist. I'm now in at my dream school and even in a position to negotiate money all because I retook. It was so worth it.

TLS_noobie wrote: I am mauling over retaking in June

Thanks,
TLS-noobie

I giggled.

TLS_noobie wrote:Great! Thanks a lot for all of the responses! One more question: can I place a seat deposit down on BU/BC/ND (whichever one gives me the most $$$) before I retake in June, just as a backup and then drop-out/withdraw once I knock this LSAT outta the park? I understand I would be out 500 bucks but it is a small price to pay to keep my peace of mind.

This is exactly what I'm doing at precisely one of those schools!